Sunday Morning Tight End

Big news stories in the NFL this week – we’re in the post draft period of the off-season now and that differs greatly from the pre draft times. Teams have found the answers to many of their problems, after having a successful draft. Many holes still remain unfilled in many teams, and other teams – more than likely division rivals – will be eyeing up what they can exploit in the coming season. This is a period of free agency which is just as crucial as the pre draft one. Teams use this period to fill the gaps left by bad picks and salary cutbacks. A lot of these salary cuts have come from struggling teams, and this may be understandable seeing as they are more than likely to have given their rookie class of this year, record salaries in order to keep them around for years to come.

Shaun Alexander was a draft casualty, cut from the team that he led to a Superbowl and NFC championship victory. In all fairness the guy was slowing down, but still has many good Denver style, one cut and go, years left in him. Two teams have been courting him over the past few weeks Namely the Broncos and Bengals. Neither of these teams are in desperate need of running backs although Denver may seem the more logical fit for him – here’s why. Mike Shannahan has always run a simple but effective offensive strategy – Establish the run – pass the football – score touchdowns. Wait a minute...what was the first “pillar”? Run the football? We’ve seen the Denver running game slow down over the past few years and they are getting lower and lower in the league running rankings, largely due to their power running game not being powerful enough. Travis Henry was “high” in the leagues RB’s [No pun intended!], before he started taking drugs. He lost his reputation and it was up to Tatum Bell to take over the running game – Something he was never capable of. The addition of Shaun Alexander could be positive – he has good cuts, superior awareness and fairly good speed left for a guy his age. He could be a great mentor and starter for Denver. Now for Cincinnati – simple – Rudi Johnson, backed up by the 2^nd year Watson – They don’t need him. And especially after all of the off-season cuts they have made with receivers and the mess with Chad Johnson – I’m not sure that adding a running back is the best way forward.

Dominic Rhodes was released by the Raiders this week, probably due to their undying love for Darren McFadden. Rhodes was clearly not phased - he went back to his old favourite - Indianapolis. If you remember 2006 and the colts play-off run, you may remember that as Addai was finding his feet, he shared carries with Rhodes. They duetted together in their superbowl victory over Chicago 2 seasons ago, as well. Addai ran 19 times for 77 yards, while Rhodes finished with 113 yards rushing and one touchdown in a 29-17 victory. So will there be a repeat in Indy? Could we see this duet dance again? I honestly don;t think so, we could see a shared running game, but Addai is now a rising star - his presence may mean he gets the bulk of carries and Rhodes becomes a 3rd down runner. I'd like to see him back in an Indy jersey - those were the glory days.

RAVENS RIOTTT...!!

Well this is reaaaally not a good start to new Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. We got riots in Baltimore mini-camps! All 85 players were involved and the squabble began when offensive tackle Oniel "Clout" Cousins and defensive tackle Amon "Give 'em a good-one" Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored. This is...well its not bad by any means...its good to see guys passionate and focused, but they are a team and team spirit is unquestionably important at this stage of the camps - rookies are being brought in ,they've lost Steve McNair and Ray Lewis is in the last year of his deal. Perhaps Harbaugh should take some control - maybe the ravens don't look up to their former special teams coach as a leader? Still....ANYTHING is better than Brian Billicks terrible previous season.

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ROOKIE BOOKIE..LETS HAVE A LOOKIE!

Inventive title - You're right! Let's take a look at how some rookies have been getting on in their mini camps...

QB, Matt Ryan - He's nervous, and who can blame him - He has the future of the Falcons on his shoulders and there is massive pressure for him to perform - under that umbrella he also has to learn the Falcons offensive system, adjust to life in the NFL and take the media pressure. Tough job, but they drafted him because of his "Intangibles" - lets hope they include quick learner, not getting phased by moving and acting like Bill Bellichuck towards the press! He was asked to join the veterans of the team in an autograph signing session - he's not afraid of the press, and its clear that the Falcons see a new face of their franchise developing.

WR, QB, Manningham and Woodson - INJURED. not a good start for this pair, they could be a great offensive combination in the future, but unfortunately Manningham suffered a hip flexor on his left side running a pull-up pattern early in the morning, and Woodson pulled a quad muscle in his left leg a short time later. Its fairly obvious that Manningham is more of a serious scenario than Woodson - the sixth round pick at QB was never really expected to play this yea, but the Giants medical staff will want to check that its nothing long term. Manningham could be a great 4th string receiver though - Behind Plaxico Burress, David Tyree and Amani Toomer .***A sign of great things to come***...Woodson threw an interception on his first pass in minicamp on Friday, but he felt he improved a lot in the second workout in the afternoon. **Well it's not hard to improve on an interception, an incompletion would do it - its not a great start with the injury and interception, he'd better improve. You can say he's only a rookie and he's getting used to it but the sympathy should be dealt sparingly, they're experienced college players - they should know the basics at least!**

DE, Chris "Long..time no see" - You might be number 2 pick but you're still rookie. Chris Long, even though he is very special, didn't receive any special treatment when the Rams mini camps opened. He was made to carry helmets during practise and train with all of the rookies and free agents. Remember he is a superior pass rusher and he did of course catch the eye of coach Scott Linehan. "You don't hear him talk a lot," Linehan said. "He just goes 100 miles per hour, which is fine."...100mph...sure he's fast enough Scott?

DT, Sedrick Ellis -Boy is he ever out to make a name for himself in New Orleans and he's started off well - no nerves or doubts, he's integrated perfectly into the Saints line. The Saints drafted Ellis seventh overall last month. "He's been a pain in the rear for a couple days now, splitting double-teams and getting in the backfield," head coach Sean Payton said. Sean Payton's usually a hard man to impress, but it looks like Sedrick is doing a very good job at doing just that. Keep interfering Sedrick!!

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AND TO FINISH....

This week, a quiet time in the NFL

Looks like the Ravens are in Riot Hell!

In Indy, Rhodes and Addai to duet?

Well I hope Rhodes is ready to sweat!

Hey, Look out its mini camp time!

Don't get nervous in Atlanta, Everything's fine!

Give Ryan a chance to shine.

Giants triumphs, past and present

Could the rookies ask for anything more than Archie's descendant

Maybe less injuries, that would be pleasant

New Orleans, the city of life

Sedrick's been causing trouble and strife

He beats double teams, he beats them all

At 6ft 1...he's not exactly "tall"

Still, I wouldn't exactly call him "small"

So ends the poem, back to work

I'll see you next week...STAY BERSERK!